Indianapolis Colts’ Carson Wentz trains three weeks after surgery ‘optimistic’ about week 1 play

WESTFIELD, Ind. –Carson Wentz returned to training for the Indianapolis Colts on Monday three weeks after surgery to remove a fractured bone in his left foot.

The Colts initially said Wentz, who had foot surgery on August 2, would be limited to training this week. So much for that.

Wentz took all of the first-team reps in a 7v7 job and only gave way to a backup quarterback after nearly an hour of practice. Catcher Zach Pascal said Wentz “clicked all the cylinders” during his first practice on July 29.

“When I first saw him jump I thought his movement looked pretty good,” Colts coach Frank Reich said.

Reich said he was a little surprised to find Wentz just three weeks after his operation. The Colts had initially announced that Wentz would be out for five to twelve weeks.

“What helped was the surgery, it was the best of times and the recovery was very quick,” Reich said. “Looks like he’s a week ahead of schedule.”

Wentz said he was optimistic about his return for the Colts’ Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

“I’m optimistic, but we’ll see how he reacts,” Wentz told reporters after practice on Monday. “As long as there is nothing I can do to make it worse, I have experienced a lot worse.”

Reich said last week he would like Wentz to have at least two weeks of training before playing a regular season game. He could have nearly three weeks of training before facing the Seahawks as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

“It’s going to be the case,” Wentz said when asked if three weeks is enough to prepare for the regular season. “I would love to have as many reps as possible here. That’s the hand that was handed to me.”

One key will be the way Wentz reacts on a daily basis.

“He has to get to the point where he can work consecutive days and then get to the point where he can do it all,” Reich said. “Still not here.”

All-Pro goalie Quenton Nelson, who had the same surgery as Wentz earlier this month and was given the same schedule, and center Ryan Kelly, who had suffered a left elbow injury, also returned to training. Monday.